ECU Tax Clinic helps communities with their taxes
The team spent five days in Broome and Fitzroy Crossing, as well as visiting the Djarindjin, Ardyaloon, Bidyadanga and Yakanarra communities.
People often travelled hundreds of kilometres to access the service, which provides free, professional tax support to those who may otherwise struggle to meet their tax obligations.
ECU Associate Professor Prafula Pearce, Coordinator of the ECU Tax Clinic, led the outreach, joined by Dr Clare Tai, registered tax agent Dhvani Thakkar, student supervisor Emma Riley and student volunteers Vikas Soni and Fei Mei.
"The gratitude we saw from clients was overwhelming; many people left with refunds in their pockets from many years of outstanding returns due to lack of tax agents in remote regions. The smile on their faces said it all," Associate Professor Pearce said.
The trip was delivered in partnership with Broome Circle and the Marra Worra Worra Corporation.
ECU Tax Clinic team alongside Broome Circle financial team
"Every conversation and every return lodged is a step toward financial empowerment," Sen Amaratunga, Financial Counsellor at Broome Circle said.
"It is about making sure no one is left behind because of where they live."
Tax - for a good cause
Since its establishment in 2020, the ECU Tax Clinic has been helping vulnerable and unrepresented taxpayers understand and manage their tax affairs.
The Clinic is funded by the Australian Government and operates in both Perth and Carnarvon, with outreach visits to regional and remote communities across the State.
By combining professional expertise, student training and community partnerships, the ECU Tax Clinic continues to ensure all Australians have access to vital tax services and the refunds they are entitled to.
